To the editor:
Nearly eight years ago, when the letter below first ran in the Alexandria Times, no one knew, after all the bitter acrimony over the Waterfront Plan, what the future had in store. We surely didn’t dream that the city’s waterfront would have come so far in such a short amount of time. For those who supported the plan, the influx of visitors would help support our wonderful, independently owned small business community, as well as tie the waterfront together in a way that is much more visible, beautiful and useful for all.
It really is a miracle and a dream come true – for some. Quite a few of those adamantly opposed to the plan do seem to be enjoying meals at Barca out on what was, for far too long, an abandoned pier. It’s worthwhile to reflect on a difficult time in our city and celebrate what has happened.
The following letter first ran in the April 17, 2014, Alexandria Times:
The recent settlement agreement between the Old Dominion Boat Club and city hall is cause for celebration.
We applaud both sides for bringing this long, litigious battle to an end in a manner we find fair, but – more importantly – it sets the stage for the world-class waterfront that our community will treasure. On some day in the near future, a visitor at the foot of King Street will never again have to ask, “Where’s the water?” Meanwhile, a new, state-of-the-art boat club facility will stand where the eyesore of a Beachcomber building once stood. This truly seems a win-win solution for all parties and puts an end to years of acrimony and legal bills.
Of course, the devil is in the details, and we encourage both parties to bring this agreement to fruition. We understand that no one is thoroughly happy with the compromise but feel strongly that the result will be of overwhelming benefit to all concerned.
The seeds of success have been sown.
This is truly a transformational moment for our city. Our waterfront will finally be a fully accessible, welcoming gateway to our historic city. It truly will be the jewel in the crown.
We look forward to all the positive changes ahead. Our sincere thanks go to the negotiators and their diligence in achieving this important agreement for our future.
-Jody Manor and Christine Bernstein, Alexandria